Global perspective Human stories

UN Gender Focus: midwives in Libya, women’s economic empowerment and internet connectivity

UN Gender Focus: midwives in Libya, women’s economic empowerment and internet connectivity

Download

Libyan women hampered by lack of midwives and gender-based violence

Libyan women are suffering from a rise in gender-based violence and a lack of trained midwives, making childbirth more hazardous. That’s according to Georges Makram Georgi, from the UN’s Population Fund (UNFPA). He said the problems stem from conflict and instability that’s plagued the country since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. UNFPA has been working to provide advanced training to personnel to protect women in Libya and help them tackle the challenges they face. Mr Georgi spoke to Priyanka Shankar.

Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda. Photo: UN

Making economic policies more inclusive to women

Although women’s economic participation benefits society, they continue to face barriers in the labour market such as gender wage gaps and legal restrictions. That’s according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which recently hosted a panel discussion exploring ways to advance women’s economic empowerment and equality. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda is chair of the International Board at the NGO, ActionAid, which works to overcome poverty and injustice by investing in “local problem solvers” in more than 40 countries. Bruce Edwards asked her if economic growth should be measured differently; for example in a way that captures women’s numerous unpaid contributions, such as care work.

Photo: WFP/Gregory Barrow

Mobile operators working to connect billions to “better future”

Mobile operators worldwide are looking to bring more than four billion people into the internet era. Through an industry association known as the GSMA, they are working with governments and other partners to reduce barriers to access, such as network coverage and cost. Leaders in the field of information and communications technology (ICT) are in Bangkok this week for an annual gathering called ITU Telecom World. It has been organized by the ITU, the UN agency that deals with ICT-related issues. Maximillian Jacobson-Gonzalez asked GSMA Foundation president Lawrence Yanovitch about their plans to connect the world to a better future.

Presenter: Jocelyne Sambira

Production Assistant: Sandra Guy

Duration: 10'00″

Audio Duration
10'
Photo Credit
UNSMIL